Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 26, 2024

How desperate does a toy company have to be to reach out to Troma Entertainment for inspiration? 1984’s “The Toxic Avenger” wasn’t a movie for children, filled with all kinds of violence and crudeness that Troma loves to deliver. But, somehow, this feature and its many sequels found its way to the realm of kids T.V., transformed into 1991’s “Toxic Crusaders,” turning the “superhero from New Jersey” into an environmental warrior, joined by his “tromatons” evil sense, a sentient mop, and a gang of mutants looking to stop Dr. Killemoff and his Radiation Rangers from their repeated attempts to poison Tromaville. Created during the days of R-rated influences and pollution fears (emerging a year after “Captain Planet”), “Toxic Crusaders” is a big swing in terms of functionality, and the producers do what they can to retain Troma’s strained silliness while still making something for the little ones and their merchandise-buying parents. Only 13 episodes were produced, with the show trying to become the next “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” but, understandably, the program didn’t last. It’s not unappealing work, but it’s not terribly exciting, and tired shtick (such as breaking the fourth wall) tends to smother the heroic elements that do manage to connect.

Disc 1

“The Making of Toxie” (23:08) follows poor nerd Melvin as he’s turned into “hideously deformed creature of superhuman strength and size” after falling in a barrel of Grossolium sent to Tromaville by the evil Dr. Killemoff. Newly empowered to help people, Toxie patrols the streets, soon joined by his girlfriend, Yvonne, his pet Blobbie, and cohorts Major Disaster and Nozone, working to save the land from destruction.

“This Spud’s for You” (23:07) finds Dr. Killemoff ready to turn the children of Tromaville into old people via deadly chemical Magoop 82, created by Dr. Bender. The poison is being prepared for distribution in Burpo Burgers, putting Toxie and the gang on the case as they try to block the sale of tainted fries.

“Club Fred” (23:06) follows Dr. Killemoff’s attempt to clear an area for aliens from Smogula to land, picking a senior care center in Tromaville. Looking to lure the Toxic Crusaders away, the evil mastermind sends Bonehead and Psycho to create a “Club Fred” tropical paradise, pulling Toxie into a trap. Joining the heroes is Junkyard, a mutant dog who needs a new home.

“Tree Troubles” (23:06) puts Toxie and the gang into contact with tree surgeon Elma, and Major Disaster is in love. Dr. Killemoff aims to ruin the world via “Smog in a Can,” turning to corrupt Mayor Grody to hand over Toxie’s bubblegum factory. As the Tromaville Arbor Day Parade commences, the Toxic Crusaders try to take back the factory and thwart Dr. Killemoff’s evil plan.

“The Pollution Solution” (23:07) travels to Dr. Killemoff’s Island City lair, where the villain is working with the Radiation Rangers to infiltrate Toxie’s Tromaville dump home. Failing to defeat his enemy, Dr. Killemoff is visited by alien overlord Czar Zosta, encouraged to find a “final pollution solution,” which involves the construction of a smog-filled dome to kill all life within it.

“A Site for Sore Eyes” (23:07) returns to Czar Zosta, who needs a large amount of smogtane fuel to complete his takeover of New Jersey, finding a reservoir of the substance in Toxie’s Tromaville dump home. To get the Toxic Crusaders out of their dwelling, Mayor Grody gives the gang government jobs, relocating them to an apartment building while a Smogulan spaceship prepares to arrive on Earth.

“Mr. Earth – Superhero” (23:10) finds Dr. Killemoff planning to ruin holiday shopping by selling the citizens of Tromaville smog devices. At the Tromaville Dump, Mr. Earth pays the Toxic Crusaders a visit, and the faux superhero brings nothing but trouble with him. When Dr. Killemoff offers to help Mr. Earth achieve greatness, the Toxic Crusaders struggle with their superhero-ness, as Mayor Grody demands the gang acquire a license to fight crime.

Disc 2

“Toxie Ties the Knot” (23:11) returns to the ways of alien life, as Princess Gerpa travels to Island City, and she wants to visit the Tromaville Mall. Spotting Toxie, Princess Gerpa falls in love, demanding to marry him. Dr. Killemoff is eager to use the pairing to take control of Smogula, while Yvonne frets about her lost love.

“Invasion of the Biddy Snatchers” (23:10) puts Dr. Killemoff in a terrible position when he’s replaced by General GarBage, who launches a plan to send insect-like creatures into Tromaville, trying to clone old women around town. “Operation Kvetch” commences, targeting Toxie, who’s ordered to move to Siberia.

“The Snail Must Go Through” (23:11) has Yvonne preparing for her first concert appearance, and Tromaville welcomes its latest visitor, Snail Man. Czar Zosta launches a new plan to kill the citizens of Tromaville, creating a machine that will flood the community with Styrofoam. As the big show begins, the Radiation Rangers aim to make a mess of the event, attempting to launch their weapon, the Aqua Filther.

“Nab That Toxie Cab” (23:10) put Mayor Grody back in play with a new stink bomb factory, which is poisoning the air in Tromaville. Thwarted in his latest money-making attempt, Mayor Grody turns to Dr. Killemoff for help getting rid of the Toxic Crusaders. Toxie and the gang make a special discovery at the dump, pulling an old car out of the ground, creating the eco-friendly, sentient Toxi-Cab.

“Still Crazy After All These Shears” (23:08) visits “Beautify Tromaville Week,” with Mayor Grody determined to share “sinister seeds” to help grow evil vegetation around the community. Dr. Killemoff receives new help from Mower Man, who plans to make a mess of Tromaville, putting the Toxic Crusaders into action to save the day.

“That’s No Villian, That’s My Mom” (23:08) finds the Toxic Crusaders preparing for the Tromaville Bicentennial Celebration, and Czar Zosta is ready to launch a pollution scheme involving a hot air balloon attack. Requiring employment, Toxie’s mother ends up working for Dr. Killemoff, who uses inside information to keep tabs on the Toxic Crusaders.

Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Toxic Crusaders" is unusual, only listing a "restoration provided by Retroware." The 1991 standard definition cartoon has been turned into a Blu-ray experience, and it's somewhat interesting to see the episodes refreshed for 2024. Perfection isn't the goal here, but the viewing experience isn't too rough, with obvious limitations to manage. There's some smeariness to the image, and backgrounds retain unusual, faint "ghostly" movement. Damage is encountered throughout the episodes. And clarity can only get so far. Colors are moderately appealing, living up to the bright palette of the art, with its nuclear oranges and yellows. And Toxie green is retained. Compression seems to hold together.

Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 Dolby Digital mix is blunt, befitting a program aimed to hold the attention of children, and age is noticeable. Volume and sound quality varies over the episodes, but intelligibility remains, protecting dialogue exchanges and broad performances. Music isn't precise but appreciable, securing various musical moods, and the theme song remains pronounced, with clear vocals.

Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1

• "Lloyd Kaufman's Gonna School Ya" (1:44, HD) finds the Troma Entertainment honcho explaining syndication to his "students" while playing with "Toxic Crusaders" toys.

• "Who Are The Toxic Crusaders?" (1:46, SD) explains the world of the cartoon and shares information about the characters who populate it.

• "Toxie and No-Zone March in the Macy's Day Parade" (:32, SD) is a short clip from the event, with a costumed Toxie dancing down the parade route.

• "Message from Space" (1:30, SD) offers three commercials for the "Toxic Crusaders" toyline.

• "Toxic Toy Jingle" (:30, SD) is a commercial for the 1991 toyline.

• "Toxic Crusaders in 3D (Not Actually in 3D)" (:44, SD) is a "test footage" for a 3D "Toxic Crusaders" toyline commercial.

• "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" (7:44, SD) is a 1936 Fleischer Studios animated short.

• "Snow Foolin'" (6:02, SD) is a 1949 Screen Songs Cartoon.

• "Hector's Hectic Life" (6:01, SD) is a 1948 animated short.

Disc 2

• "Lloyd Kaufman's Classic DVD Intro" (2:02, SD) finds the Troma Entertainment honcho trying to sell the wonders of "The Toxic Crusaders" while surrounded by merchandise from the show.

• "Making 'The Toxic Crusaders'" (73:49, HD) features interviews with Troma Entertainment honcho Lloyd Kaufman, Retroware studio head Ryan Schott, FreakZone games developer Sam Beddoes, creative director Justin Silverman, writer Jon Lock, art director Xander Arnot, illustrator and character designer Steve Gregson, pixel artist and animator Jerky, vocalist Rob Kersey, musician Matty Rzemyk, producer/engineer/musician Josh Key, and quality assurance reps Ryan Rasing and Christian Czmar. The origin of "The Toxic Avenger" is shared by Kaufman, who also discusses how the R-rated feature was targeted for the toy market during the decline of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," with Playmates in need of a fresh "environmental" brand. "The Toxic Crusaders" eventually followed. Instead of sticking with the show, the documentary makes a hard turn into video game land, as Retroware was eager to create a beat-em-up based on the Troma cartoon, eventually requesting access to Kaufman's full library. The development of the game is tracked, finding most of the employees unaware of the I.P. due to their age, growing excited to explore the possibilities of the premise. Design elements are analyzed, bringing Toxie to the gaming realm, and the soundtrack is celebrated, putting the "comedy metal" band Psychostick to work coming up with tunes for the release. The interviewees are in salesperson mode for the most part, working very hard to hype up a game that isn't even out yet, currently listed on the Retroware website as a 2024 release.

• "Original Toxic Crusaders Retail Presentation" (4:54, SD) provides an overview of the television show and characters, working to sell the excitement of this world and its weird heroes.

• "File Footage" (3:09, SD) is provided.

• "Toxic Toy Commercials" (1:05, SD) offers three ads promoting the 1991 toyline.

• "Toy TV Spots" (1:31, SD) supplies three more ads promoting the 1991 toyline.

• "Lloyd Gets Bent Over by the Studio System" (1:17, SD) finds Lloyd Kaufman on the street, introducing a brief recreation of his experience trying to sell a feature-length "Toxic Crusaders" movie.

• "Toxic Crusaders: The Game" (1:08, HD) is a commercial for the yet-unreleased video game.

• "Radiation March" (:56, SD) is a brief dance piece concerning the dangers of pollution.

• "TA in 4K" (1:10, HD) sells the 2023 UHD release of "The Toxic Avenger" and its sequels.

• "The Toxic Avenger in Ukraine" (1:01, HD) features Toxie battling a Russian tank.

Toxic Crusaders: The Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Toxic Crusaders" is filled with goofballery and cartoon antics, sticking close to its message of environmental protection, though not in any influential way. The intent of the show to transform Toxie and his gang into heroes battling against tireless villains is fully understood, but the execution here leaves a lot to be desired, outside of visuals, which remain in line with low-budget animation endeavors of the day. Troma Entertainment is a strange place to go to help with cartoon programming needs, and "Toxic Crusaders" is a mixed bag when it comes to entertainment, often preferring Troma's debatable sense of humor over the company's love of mayhem.